Not every city welcomes visitors with open arms—some start with an inflated cab fare. Taxi overcharging is one of the oldest travel scams, and it still happens in cities where regulations are weak or tourists look especially unfamiliar with local customs.
Whether it’s rigged meters, inflated flat fees, or scenic detours, travelers often pay more than locals ever would.
Here’s a list of 20 cities where tourists regularly get overcharged by taxis.
Rome, Italy
Historic ruins aren’t the only relics—some cab meters here feel stuck in the past. Tourists leaving major train stations or airports often face steep ”flat fees” that don’t match posted rates. Many drivers skip the meter entirely, betting on language barriers to keep you quiet.
Locals suggest walking a few blocks from tourist zones before flagging a cab.
Cairo, Egypt
Though ride apps have made progress, traditional taxi drivers in Cairo still avoid meters and push for inflated prices. New arrivals often don’t realize the going rate is much lower.
If you don’t agree on a fare before the ride, expect a surprise charge at the end. It’s not aggressive—just calculated opportunism.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Taxis are everywhere, but meters are optional, depending on your accent. Tourists are often quoted flat rates that are double or triple the real fare.
The driver may pretend the meter is broken—or just laugh off your request to use it. Locals mostly use apps or tuk-tuks instead.
Prague, Czech Republic
Beautiful architecture and hidden courtyards distract you from what’s happening in the front seat. Prague’s taxis have long had a reputation for creative meter speeds and longer-than-necessary routes. While the city cracked down, some rogue drivers still linger near tourist areas.
It’s a gamble best avoided by sticking to vetted taxi apps.
Paris, France
Despite being regulated, Parisian taxis occasionally charge extra fees for luggage, delays, or unclear reasons altogether. Tourists unfamiliar with the rules often end up paying more, especially when hailing a cab late at night or from busy hubs.
Knowing the fixed airport rates helps—but many visitors don’t.
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Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul’s taxi scene is a mixed bag. Some drivers refuse to turn on meters, while others take roundabout routes through winding neighborhoods.
Tourists often don’t know the city well enough to argue. Locals tend to rely on rideshare apps with upfront pricing just to avoid the dance.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
From fake money handed out as change to tampered meters, taxis in Buenos Aires are infamous among seasoned travelers. Some drivers use older meters that run fast or flip on extra charges without notice.
Tourists are easy targets, especially at bus terminals and major attractions.
New York City, USA
It’s mostly honest now—but not immune. Out-of-towners often get overcharged by rogue cabbies offering “private rides” outside airports, avoiding official taxi lines. Some drivers also take longer routes if they sense a passenger is unfamiliar with the layout.
Stick with yellow cabs or reputable apps and ignore offers shouted near baggage claim.
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Mumbai, India
While rates are regulated, Mumbai’s black-and-yellow cabs sometimes use outdated meters or skip them entirely. The difference can be small, but it adds up when you’re getting fleeced on every short trip.
Locals always check fare charts or use auto-rickshaws with posted prices.
Athens, Greece
In Athens, overcharging can happen with both traditional taxis and tourist shuttles. Some drivers double the fare late at night or add bogus surcharges for airport tolls.
If you’re not keeping an eye on the meter—or if there’s no meter at all—you’ll likely pay more than necessary.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
While the city has many honest drivers, fake taxi companies with lookalike branding prey on visitors. Their meters jump rapidly, and their logos mimic those of reputable firms.
It’s easy to mistake one for the other in a rush. Apps like Grab are more reliable in busy districts.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s hills aren’t the only ups and downs—some cab drivers pad bills with extra charges for luggage, traffic, or routes that don’t make sense. Tourists unfamiliar with the city’s layout often don’t catch on until it’s too late.
Locals recommend confirming if the meter is running from the start.
Manila, Philippines
Cabbies in Manila sometimes claim their meters are “broken” and propose a fixed fare—usually inflated. Tourists unaware of the real rates can easily pay double or more.
Traffic delays also lead to price negotiations mid-ride, which gets awkward quickly. Using an app often avoids the back-and-forth.
Marrakech, Morocco
In the medina, taxi fares seem to change based on how lost you look. Some drivers flatly refuse to use the meter and start bargaining instead.
Even if you agree on a price, expect haggling at the drop-off point. It’s part of the experience—but still a drain on your budget.
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Beijing, China
While the city is generally efficient, airport and train station taxi queues sometimes hide scammers posing as official drivers. They quote prices far above the standard rate and avoid using meters.
Even real taxis occasionally extend the route if they sense you won’t notice. Apps with live pricing are safer.
Mexico City, Mexico
Most locals avoid street-hailing taxis altogether—and for good reason. Some drivers turn off their meters or use fast-running versions that tourists won’t question. There’s also the risk of price doubling once your luggage is in the trunk.
Visitors are better off using regulated taxi stands or trusted apps like DiDi or Uber.
Budapest, Hungary
Despite efforts to regulate, Budapest still sees its share of tourist-targeted cab scams. Some drivers use “premium” fare settings without explanation, while others skip the meter entirely. The difference between what a local pays and what a visitor gets charged can be dramatic.
Calling ahead through a verified service helps avoid surprises.
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Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta’s congestion makes for long rides—but some drivers exploit this by turning off the meter and charging a flat fee far above the market rate.
If you’re you’re stuck in traffic and unsure of the real cost, it’s easy to feel pressured into paying more. Locals know better and opt for fixed-fare apps.
Dubai, UAE
Taxis in Dubai are generally reliable, but some drivers still attempt to route tourists through longer paths, especially from the airport. High-end hotels sometimes pair with pricey ”premium” cab services that cost far more than standard ones.
It’s not a scam per se—but without context, you could be overpaying.
Moscow, Russia
Tourists unfamiliar with Cyrillic or unable to negotiate in Russian often fall into fare traps here. Meter-free taxis—or unmarked vehicles offering rides—are common, especially around transit stations.
Prices can triple depending on the time of day, the weather, or how confused you look.
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Smarter Ways to Ride
Whenever possible, use local ride apps or hotel-recommended services. Take a moment to confirm rates before getting in, especially if the meter’s not obvious. Knowing the expected fare—even loosely—can help avoid those “how did that happen?” moments.
The best trip memories shouldn’t start with a cab receipt you regret.
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